Cabin rentals near Raphine, Virginia sit at elevations between 1,200-3,000 feet in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, with options ranging from small one-room structures to multi-bedroom cabins. Most cabin sites see around 40-45 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush surroundings during summer months but requiring weather preparation during spring and fall camping seasons. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, with some facilities remaining open year-round.
What to do
Creek exploration and fishing: 3 miles from Crabtree Falls Campground (https://thedyrt.com/camping/virginia/crabtree-falls), campers can access the Tye River with multiple fishing spots. "Sites are right on the river, we had a walk to which gave us some extra privacy. Beautiful area for hiking, lots leading off of the AT. Campground hosts are very friendly," notes Heather L.
Cabin stay near skydiving: 30 minutes from Raphine at Shenandoah Valley Campground offers access to regional skydiving operations. "Have stayed here twice when skydiving at Skydive Shenandoah. I will say the tent sites aren't super desirable. Not private and gravel. The cabins though - perfect for one or two people, has a fire ring," shares RL.
Paddle boating and kayaking: Free watercraft access at Montebello Resort cabins. A camper explains: "The campsite provides kayaks and paddle boats as well, at no charge. We had a site on the permitter, which was nice, as the interior sites are really on top of one another, we were just a few sites off the lake, but backing up to the woods certainly gave us a little more privacy."
Safari park visit: Located next to Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA (https://thedyrt.com/camping/virginia/natural-bridge-lexington-koa), providing easy wildlife viewing opportunities. "This campground is open year round and is right off the highway. There is a gas station right next to it as well as a safari park. The campground itself has a pool, open seasonally, a game room, and a playground," writes Bridget H.
What campers like
Mountain seclusion with zero cell service: Montebello Resort [https://thedyrt.com/camping/virginia/montebello-camping-and-fishing-resort] cabins provide true disconnection. "Overall it was a lovely place to stay as a hub for a lot of attractions in this part of GWNF," notes Adrian K. Another camper adds, "This place was certainly beautiful; our site was right on the pond... Be aware; there is zero cell service at the campground. To get decent service it's a bit of a drive."
Cabin waterfront locations: Multiple properties offer shoreline cabin placement. At Stoney Creek Resort, a camper noted: "This campground is so big. I believe they currently have around 400 spots... They have a pretty big lake available for fishing and swimming (in season) too."
Winter cabin access: Several properties operate year-round even during colder months. A visitor at Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA shared their winter experience: "This KOA is one of our favorites. Open year round. Very clean showers. Pool and activities for kids. Close to Lexington with vineyards, restaurants and antique shops."
Trout fishing without licenses: Stocked ponds at some properties allow fishing without state licenses. "The trout pond is a nice touch you can fish without a license, and you pay for what you catch, we enjoyed fresh trout for dinner during our stay, and from what I saw, anybody with a hook can catch one."
What you should know
Bathhouse access varies significantly: Some cabins feature private bathrooms while others require hiking to facilities. At Crabtree Falls Campground, "The facilities were about a quarter mile walk away from our sites; this is something to consider if you are camping with older folks or children."
Site proximity differences: Many cabin properties feature closely spaced units. "The sites are piled on top of each other. The amenities like paddle boats and kayaks were a fun addition to the site pay. The lake is small but nice. The bath house is very big," noted one visitor about Montebello Resort.
Cabin elevation considerations: Higher elevation properties experience different weather patterns. At Loft Mountain Campground [https://thedyrt.com/camping/virginia/virginia-loft-mountain-campground], "The mountain remained fogged in for most of our stay, but hikes on the AT and Doyles Falls were stunning."
Seasonal facility changes: Services change throughout the year. A Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park visitor observed: "Booking was easy. Arrived after hours, staying one night. Our tag was waiting for us with a map to our RV spot with E/W by the creek and pond. It was off season, so plenty of spots and privacy. Looks like a fun place with lots of activities to come back to over the summer."
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several properties feature wildlife interaction. At Shenandoah Valley Campground [https://thedyrt.com/camping/virginia/shenandoah-valley-campground], "Great campground with lots to do with the family. My kids loved all the bunnies, the river, pool and putt-putt."
Heated pools extend swimming seasons: Some locations maintain heated pools for cooler weather comfort. "They had an awesome pool that was heated, hot tubs, mini golf and good playgrounds. My kids were in heaven."
Halloween decorations and events: October camping features special decorations and activities. "Halloween is a big event in many RV parks and this was no exception. There were a few campers who fixed up a trailer as a haunted house and decorated the outside to the max."
Playgrounds vary in quality: Facilities range from modern to basic. "The campground itself has a pool, open seasonally, a game room, and a playground. It's an old school playground but the gkids love it."
Tips from RVers
Arrival timing considerations: Many properties offer after-hours check-in. "Located within minutes of I81. We stopped for 2 nights to see the Shenandoah National Park on our way to NC. Called last minute and got a site. Very nice customer service."
Site selection for larger units: Mountainous terrain creates challenges for bigger RVs. At Misty Mountain Camp Resort, "Access was easy. The campground was busy and everything was clean and neat. The sites were a little tight. We were there for the local hiking so we didn't spend too much time in the park."
Garbage collection services: Some properties offer daily trash pickup. "Grounds were very well kept. Our site 112 had water, 50amp and cable. Dump station on premises. Nice dog park for our fur babies and doggie duty stations with bags in several locations throughout the park."
Propane availability on-site: Several campgrounds offer refill services. "They pick up trash each morning and have propane refill, if needed."
